Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Appleton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in water utilities with high priority
Wastewater Treatment Plant Building R Renovation
The renovation of a 1930s building at the wastewater plant came in over budget, so the committee recommended shifting $100,000 from an under-budget roofing project and awarding a $172,600 contract to RJM Construction. The building will consolidate equipment storage.
Lead Water Service Line Replacement
Appleton is hiring a consultant to educate residents about its lead service line replacement program and how to participate. If your home may have a lead service line, this campaign is how you'll learn about the program and sign up.
Stormwater projects and rate analysis
The Veterans Memorial Park pond expansion is funded for 2027 using carried-over and new funds, the Oneida Street Bridge replacement is queued, and staff say a stormwater rate analysis is needed within the next year — big flood-control projects will likely push rates up.
Utilities Network System Upgrades Project
The city is buying roughly $632,000 in network equipment — Wi-Fi, phones, and the SCADA utility control system — through a sole-source state contract with Heartland Business Systems, which recently completed a similar city project under budget.
Northland-Bellaire Flood Study
The council took the next step on a multi-year, roughly $22 million, three-phase plan to cut catastrophic flooding in the Northland–Bellaire area — from over five feet of flooding in a 100-year storm down to about half a foot. All ratepayers will share the cost through stormwater fees, but Ald. Croatt and Meltzer framed it as a sound infrastructure investment for the hardest-hit neighborhoods.
W-25 Sewer & Water Reconstruction No. 2 closeout
The city awarded a $2.77 million contract to Kruczek Construction to rebuild sewer and water infrastructure — the largest spending item on the night's consent agenda.
Wastewater Treatment Facility Master Plan
The city's wastewater treatment plant is nearly 40 years past its last master plan and is arguably the city's most critical long-term facility. This contract funds the study that will guide major investment decisions for decades.
Wastewater Digester Improvements
The council awarded a roughly $1.7 million contract to inspect and upgrade the wastewater treatment plant's anaerobic digester, core infrastructure for processing sewage. The work is funded through wastewater utility budget carryovers.